'Potentially lethal' medication stolen

Detectives investigating a burglary in Sunderland are warning the public after a quantity of “potentially lethal” medication was stolen.

The break-in happened at an address on Prestbury Road, in Pennywell, shortly after 4.15pm on Tuesday.

Offenders are said to have gained access to the home and stolen a variety of medication from inside – including Oramorph and Pregablin.

Officers say that some of the medication may be harmful and potentially lethal if taken by someone it hasn’t been prescribed to.

Oramorph is used to help relieve severe pain while Pregablin is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and/ or nerve pain.

An investigation into the daylight burglary is ongoing as officers call for the drugs to be safely handed in at a police station. Detectives involved in the investigation are also calling for anyone with information to come forward.

Inspector Craig Briggs, of Northumbria Police, said: “We’re carrying out a range of enquiries into this incident, but in the meantime, I would ask members of the community to be vigilant.

“This medication could cause serious harm to anybody who takes it, if it hasn’t been prescribed to them, and would ask anyone who sees these drugs or has information to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 674 120520 or use the “Tell Us Something” page of the force’s website. Alternatively, the public can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.